Lawmakers joke, cite female attire in harassment training

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - During the Tennessee legislature's sexual harassment training day, a female lawmaker said women should mind how they dress and a male lawmaker jokingly said a male colleague was harassing him.

According to The Tennessean , Republican Rep. Courtney Rogers of Goodlettsville said Wednesday that women have a "responsibility" to maintain their decorum. With the way some female lobbyists have dressed, she said she "had to fight the urge to laugh."

Before the presentation began, Democratic Rep. Joe Towns of Memphis jokingly said he was being harassed, pointed at Democratic Rep. John Mark Windle of Livingston and asked for him to be moved.

The training by the YWCA comes after Rep. Jeremy Durham was expelled over sexual misconduct allegations in September 2016 and Rep. Mark Lovell resigned over allegations in February.

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In the wake of deadly school shootings in Florida, and other mass shootings across the country, officials and police are looking for ways to prevent future bloodshed. On Sunday, police officers on the campus of Austin Peay State University offered active shooter defense training sessions.

In the wake of deadly school shootings in Florida, and other mass shootings across the country, officials and police are looking for ways to prevent future bloodshed. On Sunday, police officers on the campus of Austin Peay State University offered active shooter defense training sessions.

Oregon State center Marie Gulich, left, knocks the ball away Tennessee center Mercedes Russell, right, in the first half of a second-round game in the NCAA college basketball tournament Sunday, March 18, 2018, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

Oregon State center Marie Gulich, left, knocks the ball away Tennessee center Mercedes Russell, right, in the first half of a second-round game in the NCAA college basketball tournament Sunday, March 18, 2018, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

Tennessee lost for the first time at home in women's NCAA Tournament history when Marie Gulich had 14 points and 12 rebounds to lead sixth-seeded Oregon State to a 66-59 win on Sunday .